Eleanor Tatum

from Silver Cotton  (available December 10)

This train swayed as much as the one she had ridden from New Orleans to Savannah a few years ago. Kirsten steadied her writing desk and allowed her thoughts to glide to the window and beyond. Her time in Savannah had proven both productive and frustrating. She had rented a quaint home with views of one of the parks, shaded with low live oak branches and Spanish moss. The sounds of the fountains’ spilling water soothed and cooled the humid city air.

She had read every newspaper and magazine article about society welcoming and then embracing John and Jared Pettigrew. The daughters of Savannah requested their presence at concerts, teas, and balls. Kirsten managed to discretely appear as well, never allowing them to see her. She did allow brief glimpses, just enough to make them shake their heads in disbelief. The numerous masked balls made her observations easier, but not note-worthy, no hard evidence.

The papers soon posted a wedding announcement, followed by two death-by-drowning notices in the newlywed household. She knew there’d soon be another train to ride. Kirsten sensed a pattern. She smelled her theory. The smell of Pettigrew victims strengthened her theory from Savannah to Raleigh and then to Charleston, where her attacks finally became victorious.

“Ticket, miss?” It took her back a moment.

This ticket to Charleston had her enjoying her first class cabin. The slowing speed caused an increase in appreciation of the city’s beautiful scenery. During her first visit she had found John and Jared had not ceased to amaze. Within a week a society lady, Mrs. Randolph, had died of food poisoning.

Really? Again?

John Pettigrew’s name had been written in a gossip column as a friend of the widower, seen about town, at social events, and conducting business as a new associate.

Really? Again?

Mr. Randolph had soon remarried. Kirsten became concerned. Worse, there was a daughter and she had disappeared.

Part 5/5 coming soon from Silver Cotton  (available Dec. 10th)